/ ˈtestɪfaɪ; NAmE / verb ( testi·fies , testi·fy·ing , testi·fied , testi·fied )
1.
testify (against / for sb) | testify (to / about sth) to make a statement that sth happened or that sth is true, especially as a witness in court :
[ v ]
She refused to testify against her husband.
There are several witnesses who will testify for the defence.
He was summoned to testify before a grand jury.
[ v ( that )]
He testified (that) he was at the theatre at the time of the murder.
[also v speech ]
2.
[ v ( that )] to say that you believe sth is true because you have evidence of it :
Too many young people are unable to write or spell well, as employers will testify.
3.
[ v ] ( especially NAmE ) to express your belief in God publicly
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PHRASAL VERBS
- testify to sth
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin testificari , from testis a witness.